Man Charged With Fatally Stabbing Father While High On Mushrooms

A 24-year-old Central New York man suspected of breaking into his father’s home and fatally stabbing him last August has confessed to the murder. Herman Tolbert Jr. (pictured) pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in a Town of Clay Court Thursday, in a deal that will put him behind bars for 15-20 years.

On August 4, 2011, Herman Tolbert Sr. was found dead by his wife, Lile Tolbert, in their Syracuse home. Authorities claim Tolbert Jr. forced his way into the home hours earlier before carrying out the deed and fleeing in his father’s pick-up truck. Investigators also say that Tolbert Jr. was high on mushrooms when he committed the crime. Both father and son had been estranged for some time, the younger one living with friends. Neighbors who knew Tolbert Sr. had nothing but praise for him.

“They are lovely, wonderful people and they didn’t deserve this,” said Pat Lynn, who lives down the block, according to News Channel 9. “

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“From what I know he was a great guy. He took care of his family. That’s as much as I know,” another neighbor, Patrick Downs said.

Tolbert Jr. is also being charged with criminal possession of a weapon, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and burglary. He’s being held without bail.